In this issue, we explore natural finishes in a
range of different settings: from a commercial
showroom, to a gorgeous strawbale home and
finally, a Japanese-inspired bar.

CREATE. DO. INSPIRE!

Whether it’s an undulating, earthy clay or a
smooth polished concrete finish, each example
offers a textural experience that invites one
to touch, explore, experience. These projects
remind us that natural finishes have a truly
universal appeal.

A HUB FOR DESIGN INSPIRATION

No longer only the domain of natural building,
clay and lime plasters can bring a real point
of difference to a home, office or commercial
building with stunningly beautiful finishes that
are simply not achievable with acrylics.

DOWN TO EARTH:
A STRAWBALE RETREAT BY THE SEA

But there is something else, something that
truly has to be experienced to be believed
which Simone from Viva Living Homes touches
on in Down to Earth. Using natural finishes
extensively throughout a space brings a greater
sense of comfort and ease, especially in a home
environment. It sounds esoteric and it is indeed
very difficult to describe but it’s true.
It’s no wonder that these natural resources have
been used to create wall finishes for cultures
around the world for thousands of years.

The Natural Artisan: bringing together ‘the makers’ of all kinds to
celebrate and share the art of crafting beautiful spaces and objects.
We do this with a collective intention to live in tune with nature.

Amanda Bertoldi-Ward:
architect, Feng Shui consultant,
advocate for healthy spaces
There is something about being in nature that
draws me into the present moment. Spending
time here at Cameron Falls on Tamborine
Mountain makes me feel grounded, whole if
you like.
Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a nice, quiet rainforest, known by the locals.
I come here to walk alone and find myself
returning regularly to this part of the forest as it
helps me slow down. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take very long
to quieten my mind and just be right here.
The gentle breeze, beautiful creek bed
and natural surrounds bring a heightened
awareness to the senses. I go barefoot a lot
and like to earth here, coming away feeling
refreshed and energised.
My work requires energetic focus and spending
time in nature aids my intuitive ability to help
create calm and balanced spaces for others.
That natural ambiance I like so much about this
place is lacking in many modern homes. A lot
of people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realise you can eat well and
exercise but if you live in an unhealthy home that
has negative energy, chemicals and allergens
in the air, all the good being done in the other
parts of your life are compromised.
My background is in architecture, which I
combine with Feng Shui and low-tox living tools
to help people create healthy, naturally beautiful
and harmonious homes.
Our home environment is such an important
component of our health and wellbeing and
should be a calm, grounded and secure base, a
sanctuary. We can create more relaxed homes
by avoiding toxins, building and renovating with
natural materials and creating more positive
energetic and free-flowing spaces.
www.healthyspacesbydesign.com

My work requires energetic focus
and spending time in nature aids my
intuitive ability to help create calm
and balanced spaces for others.
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The Natural Artisan

Photography: Tony Thorogood

Winter 2018

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Pantone Colour of the Year: ULTRA VIOLET
THE BOLD APPROACH
Ultra violet is perfect for people who
want to go all out and embrace colour
with a bold, punchy look.
Purple is the colour of mystery,
creativity and individuality so have
some fun and try mixing unexpected
colours and shades together.
Mix jewel-like colours in rich textures of
velvet, glass, leather and linen all with
a little twist to help keep the look fresh
and modern.
Try painting a couple of rich coloured
feature walls like the ROCKCOTE
Velvetina finish pictured at right.
Natural Materials can be tinted to
vivid colours using Giorgio Graesan
tints, like this vibrant feature in
ROCKCOTE Velvetina

Accessories like this vivid vase can
be paired with emerald greens and
timbers to bring the look back to earth

Try softening the colour to a lavender
or bring in a more pinky tone, and
mix with different tones of the same
shade for impact

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The Natural Artisan

AS AN ACCENT COLOUR
Ultra violet accents are ideal for
anyone who wants to try out the
colour at home without investing in
bold features.

This beautiful indigo floral-patterned quilt with a Chinoiserie
print against a white background is a lovely, soft contrast to
a concrete rendered wall.
From ecochic.com.au/indigo-chinoiserie-kantha-quilt

Try textural cushions and throws,
beautiful modern prints or
decorative vases.Â
Ultra violet teamed with white keeps
the look fresh and bright. Incorporate
softer pastels and light timbers for a
more feminine look and feel.
Teaming Ultra violet with black, smoky
grey, purples and a touch of silver for
a sophisticated luxurious yet romantic
look, perfect for the cooler months.

A simple pottery bowl with amethyst
crystals carries the colour theme
perfectly for a bathroom or bedroom
and will bring calming and peaceful
energy to a space

For a more boho look, try this Chindi recycled
cotton and jute rug from Recycled Interiors
shop.recycledinteriors.org/product/
chindi-recycled-floor-rug-round-1-8-m/

These handcrafted grey teapots by NSW potter, Hillary
Jones, are the perfect complement to ultra violet or
indigo hues in a lounge room or kitchen.
Available at www.livingclayaustralia.com.au/
hilary-jones-nsw
Winter 2018

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A HUB
FOR DESIGN
INSPIRATION
ON THE GOLD COAST

THE ROCKCOTE DESIGN CENTRE IS A ONE-STOP DESIGN
SHOP FOR INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR RENDER, TEXTURE
AND PAINT FINISHES ON THE GOLD COAST.

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The Natural Artisan

T

his stunning space is dedicated to helping
customers select the right products for
their project, with large scale samples,
creative room sets and complimentary,
personalised service.

The centre is designed to help home owners,
builders, interior designers, architects and
tradespeople connect ROCKCOTEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range of
finishes with highly visual design elements suitable
for homes, apartments and commercial premises.

Winter 2018

The centre was designed for comfort and beauty
and is recognised nationally and internationally for
excellence in sustainable architecture and design.
A recently completed major refurbishment
comprises a brand new fit-out featuring the latest
interior finishes and an external renovation with new
render looks and contemporary colours.
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Concrete look
Marrakesh bathroom
by artisan, Bruce Allen

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"The idea of a design centre is for a
place of inspiration, where people can
see new finishes, get new ideas and
experience products first-hand."

The Natural Artisan

Visitors are greeted with a striking water
feature which is part of the building's
natural air conditioning system

An eco-friendly thread is woven throughout, and
visitors are greeted on entry with a striking water
feature which is part of the building's natural air
conditioning system.

“The idea of a design centre is for a place of
inspiration, where people can see new finishes, get
new ideas and experience products first-hand,”
Zoe said.

“When people first walk through the door, they
are immediately greeted with a very calm, serene
atmosphere,” says ROCKCOTE senior interior
designer, Zoe Milburn.

“Our products are all about texture and here, people
can touch the finishes and identify whether they are
right for their projects. Most people want to have
a beautiful home with all the latest looks, whether
it’s a brand-new build or a renovation. The centre
helps give people a better idea of what these
products can look like in their own space, making
it easer to visualise and understand the different
product finishes.”

“The entire building has been designed for comfort,
with expansive open spaces, a high ceiling, natural
air conditioning to help regulate the indoor air
temperature, green walls, and the extensive use of
natural clay and lime finishes.”
Display areas showcase the portfolio of ROCKCOTE
products. Texture samples and touch screens bring
an interactive element to the experience.
A custom-made studio table with a bold Marrakesh
top in concrete grey offers a functional planning
and specification space and provides inspiration for
the use of this finish for benchtops in homes, bars
and restaurants.
The centre is a truly textural experience where
visitors can explore the different finishes and find
creative new looks: from rustic and natural to
smooth and polished, and a variety of options for
the concrete look.

Winter 2018

The Design Centre is also intended as an
educational resource and space, available to TAFE
and university design or sustainability classes,
schools and professional associations (such as
architects, designers and trades) for study tours,
CPD presentations and social functions.
If your business, group or organisation is interested
in arranging a tour, please contact the centre on
07 5502 0523.
Find out more at www.rockcote.com/rockcotedesign-centre-gold-coast
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TRULY BEAUTIFUL AND
FULLY SUSTAINABLE
THE ROCKCOTE DESIGN CENTRE WAS BUILT IN 2004 AS AUSTRALIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FIRST
FULLY SUSTAINABLE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT.
Based on core values of biomimicry, radical waste
reduction, integration and non-compromise, the
build was planned to achieve maximum efficiency
with minimum external inputs. Emphasis was placed
on creating high levels of comfort and beauty to
engender wellbeing and improved productivity.
The buildings are orientated to allow winter sun
into the main work areas, while being shaded and
open to cool breezes in summer. The addition of a
Big Ass brand fan in the recent upgrade helps to
encourage air flow. External walls and roof areas are
well insulated, the walls incorporating large volumes
of thermal mass to moderate temperatures.

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ENERGY: The building is energy positive, with an
array of solar panels ensuring the building produces
more energy than it consumes.
WATER: Rainwater is collected from the roofs
and stored in tanks with around 100,000 litre
capacity. Initial run-off is diverted to gardens by a
first flush system and drinking water is processed
through a micro filtration system. Reclaimed
water is used for flushing toilets and irrigating the
living walls and gardens.
THE GARDENS: Newly replanted produce gardens
and mature fruit trees will ultimately provide fresh
organic food for staff and visitors. No herbicides,
pesticides or chemical fertilisers are used.
The Natural Artisan

THE LATEST FINISHES
Dressing room, bathroom and lounge room sets in the Design Centre make it easier
to envisage the latest finishes in your own space. Each set features a stunning Natural
Materials finish and is fully themed, with furniture, décor and accessories.

VANILLA NOIR:
the glamour of polished plaster
Contrasting Venetian Plaster in black and white brings
a contemporary and dramatic feel to a room space.
Influenced by designer Kelly Hoppen, this space has a
lovely east meets west design philosophy which carries well
into Australian homes. The black vertical Venetian Plaster
panel draws the eye up the wall to take in the beautiful
finish. Bold brass and black accessories complete the look.
Artisan: Bruce Allen

TIME WORN:
the versatility of Velvetina
Here, we’ve created a distressed, time-worn finish with
Velvetina plaster, providing a rich textural look, perfect
for a lounge room or café setting. Blank photo frames
have been added to the wall to enhance the artistic detail.
Simple, clean-lined furniture balances the space.
Artisan: Ben Dears

Winter 2018

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The home features timber
frames and is finished with
Clay Plaster DĂŠcor throughout.

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The Natural Artisan

Story: Rebecca Park | Photography: Simone Pieta

NESTLED INTO THE ESCARPMENT IN THE NORTHERN SUBURBS OF
WOLLONGONG, THIS GORGEOUS STRAWBALE HOME IS DESIGNED WITH
COMFORT IN MIND.

W

ith a charm only attainable by using
natural building and finishing materials,
the home, built by Viva Living Homes,
has lofty views to the Pacific Ocean.

Designed as a dream home for Helen Watkins, so
she could finally enjoy the home she had been
planning for many years, the brief sought to use
natural materials where possible, maximise water
views and create an open, light interior space.
Handmade, traditional timber frames that lock
together without any nails were premade and
assembled on site, a time-honoured building
technique used in Europe and becoming more
common in Australian natural building.
Large, glazed windows offer spectacular views
to the ocean and, along with the strawbale
walls, interior cob walls and insulation, help to
moderate indoor temperatures. Increased wall
height and raked ceilings create a sense of
spaciousness and encourage airflow for a more
comfortable indoor environment.

Winter 2018

Natural decorative finishes by ROCKCOTE feature
extensively on the interiors, with Clay Plaster Décor
the finish of choice for a lightly textured, softlooking appearance. On the exterior, Lime Plaster
Basecote was used over the strawbale substrate
and finished in a clay wash that was made on site,
the natural colour blending effortlessly with the
surrounding bush.
The Clay Plaster Décor is tinted in several areas,
helping to bring out the effect of visible undulations,
with multiple oxides used in some locations to
give the effect of a cloud-like patina. Bespoke,
handcrafted features such as a stone sculpture
embedded into the vestibule wall, connect the
owner to the home in a deeply personal way.
“We love to involve our clients in the building of
custom designed homes and people enjoy adding
their own features to make it really theirs,” says Viva
Living Homes co-owner, Simone Pieta.
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15

Personal touches such as this
handcrafted feature embedded into
the Clay Plaster Decor are a hallmark
of Viva Living Homes builds

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The Natural Artisan

“The Clay Plaster Décor in a natural white on the
interior walls brings an elegant softness. The ability
to create moulded curves instead of the sharp
corners of standard gyprock and paint fit-outs
brings a sense of ease and flow.”

“When people see these houses for the first
time, their eyes smile, there is just something
different. The science says that humans are most
comfortable living in spaces with 40 to 60 percent
humidity. A lot of homes constructed of standard
materials and cooled or heated with air conditioning
run at 12 percent. Our homes sit closer to the
comfort zone of humidity, manage the extremes of
outdoor temperatures really well and generally don’t
require air conditioning.”

A seamless, tile-free bathroom has been achieved
with ROCKCOTE Marrakesh on shower walls,
complemented by highly polished ROCKCOTE
Venetian Plaster in the same colour throughout the
bathroom for an elegant touch.
Two stunning oversized bedrooms (the cosy
window seat in the master looks like an ideal place
to curl up with a book), an enormous old-fashioned
piano room/library and an expansive deck make
this a true lifestyle home.
Simone admits it is difficult to describe what it’s like
to live in one of their homes but the experience of a
relaxed, more natural state of being is a good place
to start.

“Helen says this home is like nothing she has had
before. It’s super comfortable and she finds herself
unconsciously immersed in the textural walls,
touching the walls all the time.”
An added advantage is that the natural building
materials are outstanding carbon stores, performing
far better than most new homes constructed with
glass, bricks, concrete and steel which emit carbon
during manufacture and don’t have the ability to
store carbon like their natural alternatives.

Do you find yourself agonizing over your choice of cleaning
products? Do you beat yourself up every time you stray from
your no plastic bag commitment, or worry about the future of
the planet for your children so much you find it hard to sleep
sometimes? If so, you could be suffering from eco-anxiety.

D

efined as “anxiety or worry about the ecological threats facing
the earth”. Eco-anxiety is not a recognised mental illness, but is
becoming a common reaction to the understanding about the issues
we face from things like global warming, the health of our oceans,
extinction of animals and other threats to the future of our planet.

It is quite rational to experience worry, sadness, fear and anxiety about our future
and the health of our planet. We have hard evidence that tells us we are in trouble.
However there are lots of things you can do to reduce your own anxiety and make
a difference and there are plenty of people and organisations doing amazing things –
every step DOES help.

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The Natural Artisan

Here are some tips to help you reduce eco-anxiety
Take the small steps

Connect with community

Rather than focusing on ALL of the things that need
doing, work out what you can do and then stick with
that as much as possible. For example, you might
choose non-toxic cleaning products, recycled toilet
paper, stop using single use plastics, give up the
plastic bags and takeaway coffee cups, add solar
panels to your home and harvest rain water. Taking
these small steps may seem insignificant, but they
are not. And it can reduce your eco-anxiety to know
you ARE making a difference.

Connecting with like-minded people raises your
spirits. It brings inspiration and guides you in your life.
There are lots of community groups and networks
you can get involved with. Find workshops and
events, or simply connect with others via social
media and blogs like Recycled Interiors.

Get involved
There are literally hundreds of organisations
that are fighting against damage to our planet.
Look for some that resonate with you, such as
animal protection groups, ocean crusaders, or
conservation organisations. Find the things that
excite and interest you and then roll up your
sleeves and get involved. There are also particular
challenges, special days and months such as the
Garage Sale Trail, Earth Hour, Tree Planting Days
and Clean Up Australia.

Trust yourself
Sometimes it can feel like other people are tired of
you banging on about the environment. In some
circles you can talk no end about it, but in others,
you may see people turn away when you mention
the latest thing you are worried about. Don’t let
these people get you down or stop you. Trust
yourself and keep moving forward with your beliefs
and passions.

Look at the beauty of
the planet

Practice Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness will help you achieve your
goals and enjoy life more at the same time. You’re
more productive when you’re mindful and it can
help in reducing eco-anxiety too. It takes practice,
but it really changes your life. Focus on the light fall,
the sounds you hear, the smells, the feel of the floor
under your feet, the knife in your hand as you cut
the vegetables.
It is easy to be caught up in your thoughts about the
past and future and worry about it all. You definitely
need time to reflect and dream but worrying too
much deprives you of the present moment, and the
beauty of life.
An extract from the original post, Simple Ways to
Reduce Your Eco-anxiety, shared with permission
from the Recycled Interiors blog
recycledinteriors.org/blog

Helen is a blogger and interior and product stylist
at Recycled Interiors, encouraging people to live
more sustainable lives. Helen is growing Australia’s
biggest green home and living Hub at Recycled
Interiors, with her blog, sustainable styling services
and the Sustainable Home Hub – search and add your
business at recycledinteriors.org/
join-the-sustainable-hub

It is not all doom and gloom. There are often good
news stories about the planet and the things we
are all doing. One of the best antidotes to any
anxiety is to get out into nature, experience it all.
Walk amongst the trees, climb a mountain, swim
in the sea. Listen to the birds, feel the wind on
your skin, pick some flowers and experience their
scent in your home. See it through the eyes of a
child – they really have an all senses, open hearted
approach to the world.

Winter 2018

19

Story: Rebecca Park | Photography: Ross Eason

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The Natural Artisan

JAPANESE DINING IS GAINING
MOMENTUM ON THE GOLD
COAST, WITH MITCHELL AND
NERISSA MCCLUSKEY’S LATEST
VENTURE, IKU YAKITORI BAR,
TAKING CENTRE STAGE.
This remarkable venue has all the hallmarks of a
typical Japanese yakitori bar: the vibe of a street
side location, complete with cobblestone floor;
shared dining areas; and a massive concrete-look
bar where diners can watch chefs at work.
Moody yet minimal, Iku Yakitori Bar is more than a
restaurant. It is a destination. The appeal lies in the
fact it doesn’t take itself too seriously, offering a fun
way to explore shared communal experiences, a
hallmark of this type of dining in Japan.
The fare is a contemporary twist on the traditional
yakitori (“yakitori” means a Japanese type of
skewered chicken, grilled over a charcoal fire) with
a focus on chicken skewers, alongside raw and
cooked seafood, deep-fried chicken and plenty of
vegetarian options.
With a string of café and restaurant success stories
under their belts (including the Commune café in
Burleigh which has a cult-like following, the Aloha
bar and Etsu Izakaya at Mermaid Beach), the
couple turned to their family ski holidays in Japan
as inspiration for their latest venture.
“A lot of people are travelling to Japan these days
because flights are cheap and accessible from
the Gold Coast. Many, like us, go for the snow
and become enthralled by the Japanese dining
experience but there was nothing similar here. We
like to try to do something different and this is one of
our favourite ways of dining,” said Mitchell.
After using ROCKCOTE Marrakesh to create impact
with a 13-metre-long bar at Etsu Izakaya (see The
Natural Artisan, Spring 2014), Marrakesh was again
a cornerstone of this design, drawing on the skill of
two local artisans to create several unique finishes.
“Etsu is loud and crazy and bustly. We wanted
something more traditional, clean and minimal this
time. The kitchen is front and centre, offering an
authentic experience where diners can watch and
smell the aroma of this cooking method over our
prized Japanese Bichotan charcoal” said Mitchell.
CONTINUED
Iku Yakitori Bar is more than a
restaurant, it's a destination inspired
by traditional Japanese dining

Winter 2018

21

“We only use a few textures in this
space which is designed around the
large, concrete-look Marrakesh walls
and bar, contributing a modern, sleek
look. The recycled railway sleepers
used for the pod seating areas offer a
more bucolic aesthetic. In the middle
are the cobblestones, bringing the
two together.”

Iku Yakitori Bar co-owner Mitchell McCluskey

Marrakesh versatility
The large, smooth polished Marrakesh wall makes
for a dramatic kitchen, the concrete-grey finish
carried through to an unyielding bar, flanked by
high stools where diners can enjoy a beer or sake
and view the chefs working their magic.

A distressed concrete look Marrakesh wall is flanked
by a blue velvet lounge in the main dining area

The pièce de résistance by artisans Chris Porep
and Matt Jamieson is the long Marrakesh
distressed concrete-look wall in the main dining
area. The brief: to replicate a thousand-year-old
suburban Japanese wall. Mitchell had supplied
photos showing examples of old concrete walls
which featured rough lines, akin to having recycled
palings affixed and then moved.
Artisan, Chris Porep said the look was created with
a combination of application techniques, using
coloured oxides to bring in several different tones.
The wall took the artisans two days with intentional
runs and stains used to create an aged and
distressed look. The finish was left largely unpolished
in keeping with a rustic and aged appearance.
An indigo velvet lounge works effortlessly with the
wall, creating a space rich in textures and character.
Centrally placed lights highlight the finish which has
proven to be a hit with diners.
“Our customers are blown away by the fit-out with
its distinctive textures and natural rendered finishes,
and also the different style of food and experience,”
said Mitchell. “People who have been to Japan are
connecting with the space too, saying it evokes
memories of their dining experiences while travelling.”

The large, smooth polished Marrakesh wall
and bar makes for a dramatic kitchen

LOOK FOR THE ARTISAN LOGO
ROCKCOTE Certified Artisans are licensed
tradespeople who have completed our two day
Natural Materials Workshop and on site requirements
for working with Natural Materials by ROCKCOTE.
ROCKCOTE highly recommends using
Certified Artisans for projects featuring
Decorative Finishes from our Natural Materials range.